When the workflow is run, the token (or 'placeholder') will be replaced with the value of the variable. This token acts as a place holder for the text that was inputted by the user. We then drag the variable's token from the Variables panel to the 'Save as:' field in the 'Take Video Snapshot' action. In the example workflow above, you can see that we used the 'Ask for Text' action to ask for user input that would set the variable's value. However, if you don't wish to ask the user for the variable's value you can specify it before clicking 'Done.' Type in a unique name for the variable and click 'Done.' There is no need to specify the value of the variable since you will ask the user for the information. Right-clicking anywhere in the panel and selecting 'New Variable' will create a token-looking item in the variables list. The variables panel will then be displayed. To create a variable, just click on the variables icon at the bottom of the Automator window (or click View > Variables). These variables are commonly used in save, text, and number fields.

Variables can be used anywhere data can be input. the 'Take Video Snapshot' action from the previously mentioned workflow). That data can then be input into the Save As on a different action (i.e. For instance, if you want to save an image with a certain filename then you could have the user type in some text that in turn sets a variable's value. These placeholders can be used wherever you want to insert some type of data that the user inputs beforehand. In this week's Mac Automation post, I want to go into a little more detail on what variables are and what they can do for your Automator workflows.Ĭontinue reading to learn more about using variables in Automator. That how-to featured one way of using a variable in Automator to let the user name the photo themselves. Last week I showed you how to use Automator to make a workflow that took photos from your Mac with an iSight and sent them to your Apple TV.

Automator mac program capability